Remembering Richard T. Healy

It is with sadness that the NARFA Family has lost former Executive Director and Chairman of the Board, Richard T. Healy. Under his leadership, NARFA grew tremendously and we are all working hard to carry on his vision and legacy. There are too many anecdotes and memories to share here, but his incredible sense of humor and commitment to helping others will be dearly missed.

Richard T. Healy

Richard T. “Dick” Healy, 84, of Peterborough, NH, died on June 23, 2014 at his home surrounded by his family.

Married for 57 years, he was the beloved husband of Elaine (Burkinshaw) Healy formerly of Swampscott, MA, and loving father of six children: Mary-Anne Lopez of Hudson, NH; Anne-Marie Frink of Peterborough, NH; Michael R. Healy of Lowell, MA; Ruth-Ellen Abdulmassih of San Francisco, CA; Julie-Beth Bonvie of Hancock, NH; and Philip B. Healy of Brookline, MA; as well as 22 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Born in Jamaica Plain, MA, he was the son of Thomas A. and G. Ethel Healy and leaves behind two brothers, Lawrence of West Roxbury, MA, and Thomas of Peterborough, NH.

Dick was graduated from St. Thomas Grammar School, Cathedral High School and Bentley School of Accounting.  A Staff Sergeant in the Air Force, he was a veteran of the Korean War.  Upon his return to civilian life, his career was in the Automotive Industry: Territory Manager and then District Manager for 12 years with Walker Manufacturing Company; Executive Director of the Automotive Wholesalers Association of New England for 38 years.  Founder and Chairman of the Board of the NARFA Credit Union (which became the Monadnock Community Bank); Co-founder of the NARFA Insurance Trust, the Automotive Industries Compensation Corporation and the Coalition for a Level Playing Field.

An athlete, he played baseball and football in the Air Force.  At the age of 50, he and his son biked from Hancock, NH to San Francisco, CA.  He owned Healy Husky Haven of Hancock, NH, and he and his children competed in the sport of Sled Dog Racing for 10 years.  After retirement, he and his wife opened and now operate Our Town Inn located in Peterborough, NH.

A strong promoter of Human Life International, he was a parishioner of Divine Mercy Parish.

Calling hours will be on Thursday June 26, 2014, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Jellison Funeral Home, 25 Concord Street, Peterborough, N.H.  A Mass will be held on Friday June 27, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Parish, 18 Vine Street, Peterborough, N.H.  The burial will follow.  After the burial, there will be a gathering at the Monadnock Country Club, 49 High Street, Peterborough, N.H.

Memorial gifts may be made to Hospice at HCS, 45 Main Street, Peterborough, N.H. 03458 or Divine Mercy Parish, 18 Vine Street, Peterborough, N.H. 03458, to aid in the construction of their new church.